Buying a New Furnace? Here’s What You Need to Know

Your furnace might seem like it’s working just fine right now, or the last time you used it, but Murphy’s Law dictates that as soon as the worst of winter rolls around, your furnace will conk out.

That’s why, with Canada’s harsh winters, the last thing you want is an old furnace that simply can’t make it until spring. If you’re thinking of buying or renting a new furnace before winter hits, here are some important things to consider before making your final choice:

1. Choose the fuel type that works best for you and your home

While you can choose a furnace that runs on electricity, natural gas, oil or propane, the truth is, the best fuel type is the one that works best for your home. If you don’t have a gas line, a gas furnace doesn’t make sense for you. It’s best to speak with a Home Comfort Advisor about what makes the most sense for your needs.

2. High efficiency saves energy – and money

Did you know that the latest high-efficiency furnaces can save you up to 15% off your fuel bill compared to older less efficient heating systems? Higher-efficiency furnaces may also operate more quietly and they’re better for the environment because they use less energy.

3. Output capacity – more isn’t always better

While it may seem that the more BTUs a furnace puts out, the better it is for you, this is not the case. Before purchasing a new furnace, consider the area you need heated. If you buy a furnace with a much higher output than you actually need, it will not operate as efficiently – it may put more wear on component parts, burn out sooner, waste energy and can impact your home comfort. A trained Home Comfort Advisor can perform a heat loss analysis, to tell you exactly what size heating system you really need.

4. Installation quality – choose experts you can trust

Your furnace installation can greatly affect the performance and reliability of your equipment. That’s why using an experienced, certified technician to install your new heating system is vitally important. So is relying on a company like Reliance™, which stands behind its products and services with concrete guarantees. Click here to learn more about why you should choose Reliance for your furnace installation.

5. Save additional dollars with rebates and incentives

Ask Reliance whether the furnace you’re considering qualifies for any current utility or government energy incentives and rebates. An advisor will also be able to help you understand and navigate the sometimes multi-faceted rebate process. Also be sure to check out our Rebates page for any current rebates or grants available in your area.

6. Free estimates – you don’t need to pay for an opinion

There’s no reason to pay any upfront costs until you’re sure a home services company has the products and services you want. Make sure to choose a home comfort provider that offers free in-home consultations. Always put you, your family, your home’s needs and your peace of mind first when choosing professionals and the products that go into your home.

7. Regular maintenance may extend the life of your equipment

Maintaining your furnace and keeping it running efficiently also can help to extend the life of your equipment. Check your air filter – clogged filters can affect air flow which can impact efficiency. And, as a rule, call in professionals for regular maintenance once a year to make sure you’re never left out in the cold. Visit our Tune-Up page to learn about the difference between a 12-point and 21-point service!

8. Pets, asthma or allergies? Indoor air quality is paramount

Indoor air quality products include everything from humidifiers and HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) to air purifiers and air filtration systems, all of which are helpful to keep the air you breathe at home cleaner and your furnace working properly. Review your filter manufacturer’s recommendations and replace filters as suggested – even more frequently if you have pets or severe allergies and book annual furnace maintenance to ensure everything is working properly.

Have questions? Need suggestions? Contact us today to learn more about how Reliance can help you choose a heating system that satisfies all your home comfort needs.

Learn More About Furnaces in our Ultimate Furnace Guide!